by Santa Monica, CA – A 24-year-old mother has been charged with murder after authorities say she fatally beat her infant daughter with a frying pan inside a high-end Los Angeles County apartment complex. The disturbing case has shocked residents and raised renewed questions about mental health intervention and child safety.
Police say the baby, just 15 months old, was found critically injured inside the family’s apartment and later pronounced dead at a local hospital despite emergency efforts.
Incident Overview
Authorities identified the suspect as Carmen Anita Degregg, 24, a former standout high school wrestler. Investigators allege the killing occurred Tuesday inside The Charlie, a luxury apartment complex in Santa Monica, where rents reportedly range from $3,200 to $6,000 per month.
According to police, the child suffered severe injuries consistent with a violent assault involving a household object.
Bizarre Arrest on UCLA Campus
Santa Monica police said Degregg was taken into custody after approaching officers on the UCLA campus and making a startling confession.
Officers said Degregg told them she had hurt her child and that the infant was alone inside the apartment. Police immediately responded to the residence and found the baby gravely wounded.
The Santa Monica Fire Department rushed the child to a nearby hospital, where she was pronounced dead shortly afterward, authorities said.
Charges Filed by Prosecutors
Degregg is now facing multiple serious charges, according to court documents filed by the Los Angeles County District Attorney on Thursday.
She has been charged with:
- Murder
- Felony assault on a child under age 8 causing death
If convicted, Degregg faces a possible sentence of 25 years to life in prison.
Her bail has been set at $2 million.
Neighbor Recalls Disturbing Sounds
A neighbor living in the apartment above Degregg told KTLA she heard unsettling noises coming from the unit on the morning of the killing.
“I heard a woman talking, but like in distress, kind of gossiping and something weird coming exactly from that apartment around 9 o’clock,” the neighbor said. “Saying, ‘We need to leave.’ She left a baby there.”
Investigators spent several hours inside the apartment gathering evidence and were later seen leaving with multiple boxes of materials, according to the report.
Investigation Details and Family Questions
Police said it remains unclear whether the baby’s father lived at the apartment complex. Authorities confirmed he was brought in for questioning but was released without charges.
Detectives continue to review evidence recovered from the scene as part of the ongoing investigation.
Background of the Accused
Online records and photos show Degregg had previously achieved athletic success, including winning a first-place medal in a high school wrestling competition in 2018. She later celebrated her 2019 graduation from Everett High School in Washington, images show.
Investigators have not disclosed whether Degregg had a documented history of mental health issues, though such factors are often closely examined in cases involving violence against children.
Court Appearance and What Comes Next
Degregg appeared in court for her scheduled arraignment on Friday but did not enter a plea, according to court officials. She is expected to return to court on Feb. 23 for further proceedings.
Prosecutors are expected to outline additional evidence as the case moves forward.
Conclusion
The death of a 15-month-old girl inside a luxury Santa Monica apartment has left a community reeling and a young mother facing the most serious criminal charges possible. As the legal process unfolds, investigators continue working to determine what led to the fatal incident and whether any warning signs were missed.
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